Ivory Towers: Unlocking the Gap of Theory to Practice in Business Transformation

Issue 186, November 14, 2024

How often have you encountered a compelling transformation or change strategy that failed in execution?

In today’s rapidly evolving, dynamically changing business landscape, organizations face constant pressure to change and adapt. A theory provides an idealized roadmap for transformation, attempting to predict and explain how change should work under perfect conditions. However, reliance on theory alone comes with consequences. Interpretation of theory can be subjective in understanding how it’s infused by an environment, situation or challenge.

When Theory Creates a Gap

Consider a theory we often write about — technological determinism. Although the theory may appear simple, it is actually complex. The concept is that technology is fundamentally driving change in the human species and our society, yet it is designed and activated by humans who have the inherent capacities and capabilities to mirror the technology they are creating.  Depending on your opinion…